So, you’re preparing for JAMB Physics 2026, and maybe you’re thinking, “Physics is tough!” I get it; with all the formulas, diagrams, and experiments, it can feel confusing. But here’s the thing: if you focus on the right topics and understand the concepts, Physics becomes a lot easier and even fun.
Physics isn’t just about memorizing formulas; it’s about understanding how the world works. From the way your phone vibrates, to why a ball falls when you drop it, or how electricity powers your room, Physics is everywhere.
In this guide, I’ll break down the JAMB Physics syllabus 2026 topic by topic, highlight high-scoring areas, give real-life examples, and share practical study tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to study, what mistakes to avoid, and how to tackle your exam confidently.
Before we move on, think about this: have you ever wondered why some students always score high in Physics while others struggle? The secret is understanding the syllabus, practicing consistently, and connecting concepts to real-life examples.
Read also: JAMB Registration 2026: Dates, Requirements, How to Apply, and Full Guide
Understanding JAMB Physics Syllabus
Physics is the branch of science that studies how things move, how energy works, and how forces interact in the world around us. In JAMB, Physics questions test not just your ability to memorize formulas but also your understanding of concepts. You might be asked to calculate the speed of a car, explain how a magnet works, or interpret a graph of temperature changes. That’s why grasping the concepts is more important than just memorizing numbers.
Following the JAMB syllabus is critical because it tells you exactly what topics to focus on. Physics is a broad subject, and not every topic is equally important for UTME. By focusing on high-yield areas, you avoid wasting time on topics that rarely appear. For example, Mechanics, Electricity, Waves, and Light consistently carry more weight in JAMB exams, so mastering these areas first is smart.
Another reason to follow the syllabus is that it helps you organize your study plan. When you break the syllabus into sections, it becomes easier to schedule daily study sessions. For instance, you could spend one day revising Mechanics formulas and practicing questions, and the next day focus on Heat and Thermodynamics. This way, you steadily cover all topics without cramming at the last minute.
Real-life examples make understanding Physics easier. Think about a ball rolling down a hill, the way your phone charges, or the way light bends in water. These everyday occurrences are connected to JAMB Physics concepts. When you relate exam topics to real life, you remember them better and can solve problems faster.
In short, Physics in JAMB isn’t just about calculations; it’s about seeing the world scientifically, applying concepts, and solving problems. If you follow the syllabus, focus on the main topics, and practice regularly, you’ll have a strong foundation to score high.
Mechanics
Mechanics is one of the most important areas in JAMB Physics. It deals with motion, forces, energy, and power. Many students lose marks here because they don’t fully understand the concepts or confuse formulas. The good news is, if you practice regularly and relate concepts to real life, Mechanics becomes easier.
Motion and Forces
Motion describes how objects move, and it can be straight-line (linear) or curved. In JAMB, you’ll often be asked about speed, velocity, acceleration, and distance-time problems.
- Speed is how fast an object moves: Speed=TimeDistance
- Velocity is speed with a direction, for example, 5 m/s north.
- Acceleration is how quickly velocity changes: Acceleration=TimeChange in velocity
Example: If a car moves 100 meters in 5 seconds, its speed is 100÷5=20 m/s.
Forces describe push or pull on objects. Newton’s Laws are the backbone of Mechanics:
- First Law (Inertia): An object stays still or moves at a constant speed unless acted upon by a force.
- Second Law: Force = Mass × Acceleration (F=ma)
- Third Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Example: When you push a swing, it moves forward (action), and the swing pushes back on you (reaction).
Work, Energy, and Power
Work is done when a force moves an object:
W=F×d
- W = Work in joules
- F = Force in newtons
- d = Distance in meters
Example: Pushing a 10 N object 3 meters: W=10×3=30 J.
Energy is the ability to do work. The main types are kinetic energy (moving objects) and potential energy (stored energy):
- Kinetic Energy: KE=21mv2
- Potential Energy: PE=mgh
Power is how fast work is done:
P=tW
Tip for JAMB: Many questions ask you to calculate work, energy, or power using simple numbers. Always check units carefully and show all steps; careless mistakes cost marks.
Real-Life Examples
- Motion: A car moving on a highway
- Forces: Pushing a school bag
- Work & Energy: Lifting your school bag onto a table (PE) or running up the stairs (KE)
Properties of Matter
Properties of matter is all about how materials behave under different conditions. In JAMB, this topic is popular because it’s easy to understand if you use everyday examples. Key areas include density, pressure, elasticity, and surface tension.
Density and Pressure
Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume:Density=VolumeMass
- Mass is measured in kilograms (kg)
- Volume in cubic meters (m³)
- Density in kg/m³
Example: If a block of wood has a mass of 2 kg and a volume of 0.5 m³, its density is:Density=0.52=4 kg/m³
Pressure is force applied per unit area:Pressure=AreaForce
- Measured in pascals (Pa)
- Example: A person standing on thin heels exerts more pressure than on flat shoes because the area in contact is smaller.
Tip for JAMB: Always check your units, converting cm² to m² or g to kg can save marks.
Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.
- Stretching a rubber band and letting it go is a classic example.
- Hooke’s Law:
F=k×x
- F = force, k = spring constant, x = extension
Example: If a spring stretches 0.1 m under 50 N of force, the spring constant is:k=xF=0.150=500 N/m
JAMB Tip: Questions often ask you to calculate force, extension, or spring constant. Practice with simple numbers.
Surface Tension
Surface tension is the tendency of a liquid’s surface to resist external force.
- Example: Water droplets forming beads on a leaf
- Soap reduces surface tension, which is why it spreads water more easily
Why it matters for JAMB: Surface tension is tested with practical examples and sometimes requires you to calculate force along a surface:F=γ×L
- γ = surface tension, L = length of the surface
Real-Life Examples
- Density: A stone sinks in water while a wooden block floats
- Pressure: Using sharp knife vs blunt knife
- Elasticity: Stretching rubber bands or springs
- Surface Tension: Floating a needle carefully on water
Tip: Relate formulas to daily life experiments, it makes remembering easier and helps with multiple-choice questions.
Heat and Thermodynamics
Heat and thermodynamics is a key area in JAMB Physics. Many students struggle here because of formulas and units, but it becomes simple if you focus on basic concepts and everyday examples.
Temperature and Heat
Temperature measures how hot or cold a body is. In Physics, it’s measured in Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K).
Heat is the energy transferred from one body to another because of temperature difference. The basic formula for heat is:Q=m×c×ΔT
- Q = heat absorbed or released (Joules)
- m = mass (kg)
- c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C)
- ΔT = change in temperature (T₂ – T₁)
Example: A 2 kg block of metal with a specific heat capacity of 500 J/kg°C is heated from 20°C to 50°C. How much heat is absorbed?Q=2×500×(50−20)=30,000 J
Latent Heat is energy absorbed or released during a change of state without temperature change.Q=m×L
- L = latent heat of fusion or vaporization
- Example: Melting ice absorbs energy without changing temperature
Laws of Thermodynamics
- Zeroth Law: If A is in thermal equilibrium with B, and B with C, then A is in equilibrium with C. This is why thermometers work.
- First Law: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. Heat added = increase in internal energy + work done.
- Second Law: Heat flows from hotter to colder objects, never the reverse spontaneously.
Practical Example: Boiling water on a stove demonstrates heat transfer, change of state, and energy conservation.
Waves and Sound
Waves and sound is one of the most high-yield topics in JAMB Physics. Questions often appear on wave properties, speed, frequency, and sound phenomena. Understanding the basics and relating them to everyday experiences will make solving questions easier.
Wave Properties
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter. Waves are everywhere: from light waves, to sound waves, to waves on water.
Key properties of waves include:
- Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.
- Frequency (f): The number of waves passing a point per second (measured in Hertz, Hz).
- Wave speed (v): How fast a wave moves through a medium.
The basic relationship between these quantities is:v=f×λ
Example: A water wave has a wavelength of 2 m and a frequency of 3 Hz. Its speed is:v=f×λ=3×2=6 m/s
Other terms to remember: Amplitude (A) – the height of the wave, which represents energy; Crest – the top of the wave; Trough – the bottom.
Sound Waves
Sound is a longitudinal wave, which means the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the direction of the wave.
Key points about sound:
- Speed of sound in air is about 343 m/s at 25°C
- Sound requires a medium (air, water, or solids) to travel
- Frequency determines pitch; amplitude determines loudness
Example: If a sound has a wavelength of 1 m and travels at 343 m/s, its frequency is:f=λv=1343=343 Hz
Important Phenomena:
- Reflection of sound: Echoes happen when sound reflects off a surface
- Resonance: When an object vibrates at its natural frequency, amplifying sound
- Doppler Effect: Change in frequency when a sound source moves relative to an observer (like an ambulance siren approaching and then moving away)
Practical Examples for JAMB
- Strumming a guitar string produces waves – wavelength and frequency determine the sound
- Speaking in a hall: sound reflects, causing echoes
- Tuning a musical instrument uses the concept of resonance
Tip for JAMB: Many questions give speed, wavelength, or frequency and ask you to calculate the missing value using v=f×λ. Always label your units correctly.
Light and Optics
Light and optics is one of the most frequently tested topics in JAMB Physics. It covers reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, and focal points. These concepts are often presented in calculations, diagrams, or conceptual questions. Understanding them with examples will help you score high.
Reflection of Light
Reflection happens when light bounces off a surface.
There are two types of reflection:
- Specular Reflection: Light reflects from a smooth surface like a mirror; the reflected rays are parallel.
- Diffuse Reflection: Light reflects from a rough surface like paper; rays scatter in different directions.
Law of Reflection:Angle of Incidence=Angle of Reflection
Example: If a ray hits a mirror at 30°, it reflects at 30° on the other side of the normal.
JAMB Tip: Many questions ask you to draw ray diagrams showing the angle of incidence, normal, and reflected ray. Practice simple diagrams.
Refraction of Light
Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another (like air to water).
- Refractive Index (n): Shows how much light bends:
n=Speed of light in mediumSpeed of light in air
Example: If light slows down in water, it bends toward the normal. This explains why a straw looks bent in a glass of water.
- Snell’s Law:
n1sinθ1=n2sinθ2
Where θ1 = angle in first medium, θ2 = angle in second medium
JAMB Tip: Questions often involve calculating refractive index, angle of incidence, or angle of refraction. Practice with simple numbers and diagrams.
Lenses and Mirrors
Mirrors
- Concave Mirror: Curves inward; can focus light to a point. Used in torches or shaving mirrors.
- Convex Mirror: Curves outward; produces smaller, virtual images. Used in car side mirrors.
Mirror Formula:f1=u1+v1
- f = focal length, u = object distance, v = image distance
Lenses
- Convex Lens: Converging lens; forms real or virtual images
- Concave Lens: Diverging lens; forms virtual images
Lens Formula:f1=v1−u1
- f = focal length, v = image distance, u = object distance
Magnification (m):m=uv
Example: A convex lens with a focal length of 10 cm forms an image 20 cm from the lens. Object distance:f1=v1−u1⇒101=201−u1⇒u=20 cm
JAMB Tip: Practice drawing ray diagrams for lenses and mirrors. Questions often ask for image location, size, or magnification.
Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity and magnetism is a major topic in JAMB Physics. Many students score high here if they understand Ohm’s law, circuits, and magnetic effects. This topic connects theory with calculations, diagrams, and real-life examples.
Current, Voltage, and Resistance
Electric Current (I): Flow of electric charge measured in amperes (A).
Voltage (V): Electric potential difference, measured in volts (V). It’s the “push” that drives current through a circuit.
Resistance (R): Opposition to current flow, measured in ohms (Ω).
Ohm’s Law:V=I×R
- This is one of the most frequently tested formulas in JAMB.
- Rearrange to calculate current: I=V÷R or resistance: R=V÷I
Example: If a 12 V battery drives 2 A through a resistor, resistance:R=V÷I=12÷2=6Ω
Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuits:
- Current is the same through all components
- Total resistance: Rtotal=R1+R2+R3
Parallel Circuits:
- Voltage is the same across all components
- Total resistance: Rtotal1=R11+R21+R31
Example:
- Two resistors in series: 4 Ω and 6 Ω → Rtotal=4+6=10Ω
- Two resistors in parallel: 4 Ω and 6 Ω → 1/Rtotal=1/4+1/6=5/12 → Rtotal=12/5=2.4Ω
JAMB Tip: Many questions provide voltage and resistances; you calculate current, total resistance, or power. Always check units.
Magnetic Effects of Current
Electric currents produce magnetic fields, which is the foundation of electromagnetism.
Key points:
- A current-carrying conductor produces a circular magnetic field
- Right-hand rule helps determine direction of the field
- Solenoids and electromagnets are practical applications
Applications:
- Electric bells, loudspeakers, and cranes use electromagnetism
- Earth behaves like a giant magnet, explaining compass behavior
Example: A coil of wire with current behaves like a magnet. Increase current → stronger magnetic field. This is tested in conceptual JAMB questions.
Practical Examples
- Charging your phone: current flows through a circuit
- Street lights: series or parallel connections determine brightness
- Doorbells and cranes: electromagnets in action
- Compass needles: magnetic effect of currents on direction
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Atomic and nuclear physics is a high-yield topic in JAMB Physics. It covers the structure of the atom, isotopes, radioactivity, and nuclear decay. Questions can be conceptual, calculation-based, or diagram-based. Understanding the basic structure and behavior of atoms is key to scoring high.
Structure of the Atom
Atoms are the building blocks of matter, consisting of:
- Protons (p⁺): Positively charged, in the nucleus
- Neutrons (n⁰): Neutral, in the nucleus
- Electrons (e⁻): Negatively charged, orbiting the nucleus
Atomic number (Z): Number of protons
Mass number (A): Total number of protons and neutrons
Example: Carbon-12 → Z = 6 (protons), A = 12 → neutrons = A – Z = 6
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
- Example: Carbon-12 and Carbon-14
- Both have 6 protons, but C-12 has 6 neutrons and C-14 has 8 neutrons
JAMB Tip: Questions often ask you to calculate number of protons, neutrons, and electrons from A and Z.
Radioactivity
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles from unstable nuclei. Three main types:
- Alpha (α) decay:
- Emission of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (helium nucleus)
- Low penetration; stopped by paper
- Beta (β) decay:
- Emission of an electron or positron
- Medium penetration; stopped by aluminum
- Gamma (γ) radiation:
- High-energy electromagnetic waves
- High penetration; requires lead or thick concrete
Example: Uranium-238 decays to Thorium-234 via alpha emission:92238U→90234Th+24He
Half-Life
Half-life (T½) is the time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.
Formula for remaining quantity:N=N0(21)n
- N = remaining quantity
- N₀ = initial quantity
- n = number of half-lives
Example: A 16 g sample of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 2 hours. After 6 hours:
- Number of half-lives n=6÷2=3
- Remaining quantity N=16×(1/2)3=16×1/8=2 g
JAMB Tip: Most half-life questions are calculation-based; practice with simple numbers.
Practical Examples
- Smoke detectors use alpha particles
- Medical imaging uses radioactive isotopes
- Carbon dating uses C-14 to estimate age of artifacts
Tip: Relate nuclear concepts to everyday examples, it makes remembering formulas and decay processes easier.
Practical Physics and Experiments
Practical Physics is all about observing, measuring, and interpreting physical phenomena. In JAMB, practical questions often appear as diagrams, calculations, or conceptual problems based on experiments. Understanding this section is a big plus because it’s usually straightforward if you know the principles.
Laboratory Skills
Laboratory skills test your ability to use instruments and carry out measurements accurately. Some common instruments and their uses include:
- Meter rule: Measuring length
- Stopwatch: Measuring time
- Spring balance: Measuring force or weight
- Ammeter & Voltmeter: Measuring current and voltage
- Thermometer: Measuring temperature
Tip: Always read the scale carefully and record measurements to the correct number of significant figures. JAMB often tests precision and accuracy.
Common Experiments and How to Study Them
- Measuring density:
- Use mass (balance) and volume (displacement method for irregular objects)
- Calculate using ρ=m/V
- Determining specific heat capacity:
- Heat a known mass of substance, measure temperature change, use Q=mcΔT
- Ohm’s law verification:
- Set up series and parallel circuits
- Measure current and voltage, plot graphs of V against I to check linearity
- Wave experiments:
- Measuring wavelength, frequency, or speed of waves in a ripple tank
Tip for JAMB: Many questions will give an experiment scenario and ask you to calculate values or explain observations. Practice understanding the setup and formulas.
Graphs and Data Handling
Graphs are often part of practical Physics. You might need to:
- Plot line graphs or bar charts
- Interpret slopes or intersections
- Determine physical quantities from graphs (like speed, acceleration, or resistivity)
Example: A V-I graph for a resistor can help you determine its resistance from the slope.
- Slope of V-I graph = R (ohms)
- Linear graph → obeys Ohm’s law
- Non-linear graph → resistor doesn’t obey Ohm’s law
JAMB Tip: Practice reading and plotting graphs. Many students lose marks because they misread axes or slopes.
Real-Life Applications
- Using a spring balance to weigh fruits at the market
- Measuring room temperature with a thermometer
- Using a voltmeter to check phone charging circuits
- Observing wave interference in water or sound experiments
Read also: JAMB Mathematics Syllabus 2026: Key Topics Students Must Focus On
Exam Strategies for JAMB Physics
Physics can be challenging, but if you study smart and follow the syllabus, you can score high. Many students struggle not because the subject is hard, but because they don’t focus on important topics, practice enough, or manage time well.
Using the Syllabus Effectively
The JAMB Physics syllabus is your roadmap to exam success. It tells you exactly what topics to study and which ones appear most often.
How to use it:
- Break it into sections: Mechanics, Waves, Light, Electricity, Heat, Atomic Physics, etc.
- Prioritize high-yield topics: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Light & Optics, and Heat often carry more questions.
- Tick topics off as you revise: This helps track progress and avoid wasting time.
Example: Instead of trying to memorize every formula at once, study Mechanics on Monday, Waves on Tuesday, and Electricity on Wednesday. This prevents confusion and helps retain knowledge.
Practicing Past Questions
Past questions are the best guide for JAMB Physics. They show:
- Common question patterns
- How JAMB phrases numerical and conceptual questions
- Topics that appear more often
How to practice:
- Solve questions without looking at the answers first.
- Check solutions and learn from mistakes.
- Focus more on topics where you often go wrong.
- Repeat this weekly until you feel confident.
Tip: Many students who score above 70% practice past questions consistently, not just once.
Time Management During Study and Exam
Time management is crucial in Physics:
- Daily study: Spend 30–60 minutes per topic, focusing on understanding concepts.
- Exam timing: 60 questions in 60 minutes → about 1 minute per question. Don’t spend too long on tricky ones.
- Review fast: If time permits, check calculations, units, and diagrams.
Example: If a question involves a multi-step calculation for speed, acceleration, or energy, quickly write all formulas first, then substitute numbers. This reduces careless errors.
Common Mistakes Students Make in JAMB Physics
Even bright students sometimes lose marks in Physics because of simple mistakes. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to avoid if you know them in advance.
1: Ignoring Units
One of the most common mistakes is forgetting or mixing up units. JAMB often gives numbers in meters, centimeters, grams, or kilograms, and many students forget to convert them.
Example: A distance is given as 200 cm, and time as 4 s. If you calculate speed without converting cm to meters:v=4200=50 m/s (wrong)
It should be:v=42=0.5 m/s (correct)
Tip: Always check units before substituting into formulas.
2: Memorizing Without Understanding
Many students try to memorize formulas and definitions without understanding them. The problem is that JAMB often changes the numbers or context, so memorization alone doesn’t work.
Example: You memorize KE=1/2mv2 but don’t understand that it represents kinetic energy of moving objects. When a question asks for energy in a real-life scenario, you might use the wrong formula.
Tip: Always connect formulas to concepts and real-life examples, like a moving car (KE) or lifting a bag (PE).
3: Skipping Past Questions
Some students think past questions aren’t important. But JAMB repeats question patterns, especially in Mechanics, Electricity, and Heat.
Example: Questions about Ohm’s Law, v = fλ, or half-life appear almost every year. Students who ignore past papers often waste time figuring out what to expect during the exam.
Tip: Solve at least the last 5–10 years of past questions. Track your weak areas and practice them repeatedly.
4: Careless Arithmetic Errors
Physics involves calculations, and small mistakes can cost marks. Missing a minus sign, dividing instead of multiplying, or adding incorrectly is common.
Tip: Write numbers clearly, double-check each step, and always include units.
5: Poor Time Management During Exam
Many students spend too long on a tricky question and run out of time. Remember, JAMB gives 1 minute per question on average.
Tip: If a question is taking too long, skip it and come back later. Focus on scoring the easier marks first.
6: Misreading Questions
Sometimes students misinterpret what is being asked, especially in multiple-step problems. For example, a question might ask for remaining mass after 2 half-lives, but students calculate after 1 half-life.
Tip: Read questions carefully, underline key information, and plan your steps before solving
FAQs: JAMB Physics 2026
1. Do I need to memorize all formulas in Physics?
Not really. Understanding is more important than memorizing. If you know what a formula means, like KE=1/2mv2, you can apply it in any question, even if numbers or units change. Relating formulas to everyday examples like moving cars or lifting objects makes them easier to remember.
2. Which Physics topics appear most in JAMB?
High-yield topics include Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Waves & Sound, Heat & Thermodynamics, and Light & Optics. If you master these, you can cover more than half of the exam questions confidently.
3. How much time should I spend studying Physics daily?
About 30–60 minutes per topic is enough if you study smart. Focus on understanding concepts, practicing formulas, and solving past questions. You can increase study time closer to the exam.
4. Can I pass Physics without doing experiments?
Yes. Most JAMB Physics questions are conceptual or calculation-based, but practical knowledge helps. Knowing how instruments work and how experiments are done makes it easier to answer scenario-based questions.
5. Are past questions really necessary?
Absolutely. Past questions help you recognize patterns, improve speed, and avoid careless mistakes. Students who consistently practice past papers usually score higher.
6. How do I remember units and avoid careless errors?
Use small tricks:
a. Write units with every calculation.
b. Convert everything to standard SI units before starting.
c. Practice small daily exercises to make unit checking a habit.
Conclusion
So, that’s your complete guide to JAMB Physics Syllabus 2026. By now, you know exactly what topics to focus on, how to study them, and how to avoid common mistakes. Physics may seem tricky at first, but if you study smart, practice regularly, and relate concepts to real life, you can score high.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Focus on high-yield topics: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Heat & Thermodynamics, Waves & Sound, Light & Optics.
- Understand, don’t just memorize: Relate formulas to real-life examples like football, phones, or school bags.
- Practice past questions: They show patterns and help you avoid careless mistakes.
- Use units and formulas carefully: This avoids losing marks unnecessarily.
- Manage your time: Both while studying and during the exam.
Think about it like this: if you start today and study consistently, by the exam, questions on topics like Newton’s Laws, Ohm’s Law, wave formulas, and light reflection will feel familiar. You’ll walk into the exam confident, solve problems faster, and avoid stress.
Your action plan:
- Print or download the JAMB Physics 2026 syllabus.
- Break topics into daily study sessions.
- Make formula sheets and diagrams for key topics.
- Solve past questions weekly.
- Review weak areas until you feel confident.
Physics isn’t magic; it’s logical. Once you understand the rules of the world, the exam becomes much easier. So pick one topic today, maybe Mechanics or Waves and start studying. Small steps consistently will lead to a high score.
Remember: JAMB Physics is about understanding concepts, practicing regularly, and connecting ideas to real life. If you do that, scoring high is completely possible.




